Crime scene cleaners are professionals who specialize in cleaning and sanitizing areas where a crime or trauma occurred. They are responsible for removing biohazards, contaminated items, and toxic substances from the scene. They use proprietary cleaning agents and tests to ensure the safety and compliance of the cleaning. Crime scene cleaners are often hired by family members or business owners who want to avoid the emotional distress of dealing with the scene themselves.
How Much Do Crime Scene Cleaners Make?
The average hourly pay for a crime scene cleaner in 2023 is $17.27. This means that crime scene cleaners can earn an average annual salary of $35,921.6, assuming they work 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year. However, the salary range can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and demand for such services. Typically, a crime scene cleaner’s salary falls within the range of $30,000 to $60,000 annually
The table below shows the salary calculations for a crime scene cleaner based on different time periods.
Time Period | Salary |
---|---|
Year | $35,921.6 |
Month | $2,763.2 |
Week | $690.8 |
Day | $138.16 |
Hour | $17.27 |
Minute | $0.287833333 |
Crime Scene Cleaner Salary By Location 2023
Here is a table that summarizes the average hourly pay and annual salary for crime scene cleaners in different states in the United States, based on the data from Various Sources.
State | Hourly Pay | Annual Salary |
---|---|---|
California | $20.00 | $41,600 |
Florida | $18.00 | $37,440 |
Georgia | $17.00 | $35,360 |
Illinois | $16.00 | $33,280 |
New York | $15.00 | $31,200 |
Texas | $14.00 | $29,120 |
As you can see, the salary for crime scene cleaners can vary depending on the location, as well as other factors such as level of experience, demand for such services, and company policies. You can also check out some of the other sources I found for more information on crime scene cleaner salaries and job descriptions:
How to Become a Crime Scene Cleaner?
To become a crime scene cleaner, you may need to complete some specialized training and certification programs, such as biohazard handling training, personal protective equipment training, and pathogen training. You may also need to create a resume that lists your qualifications, skills, and certifications. You can apply for jobs through job boards, social media sites, search engines, or by contacting crime scene cleaning companies directly.
What Are the Skills and Qualities of a Good Crime Scene Cleaner?
A good crime scene cleaner should have the following skills and qualities:
- Attention to detail: Crime scene cleaners must be able to spot and remove all traces of biohazards and contamination from the scene. They must also follow specific health guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety and compliance of the cleaning.
- Physical stamina: Crime scene cleaners must be able to work in challenging conditions for long hours. They may have to lift heavy objects, bend, kneel, or crawl in tight spaces.
- Compassion: Crime scene cleaners must be able to show empathy and respect to clients who have experienced a traumatic event. They must also be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with them.
- Problem-solving: Crime scene cleaners must be able to think quickly and creatively to deal with unexpected situations or challenges. They may have to improvise solutions or use specialized equipment to clean the scene.
What Are the Occupational Hazards of Being a Crime Scene Cleaner?
Crime scene cleaners routinely come in contact with potentially dangerous substances such as blood and other bodily fluids. In the case of severely decomposed bodies, they must also contend with odors, bacteria, and other possible hazards. Because of this, they often wear hazmat suits and use respirators. In addition, witnessing the aftermath of violent crimes, suicides, and other trauma can take a significant psychological toll. Crime scene cleaners cannot be squeamish and must be trained in separating their emotions from their job duties.
How Is Crime Scene Cleaning Different from Other Types of Cleaning?
Crime scene cleaning is different from other types of cleaning because it involves dealing with biohazards and other hazardous materials that pose a risk to human health and safety. Crime scene cleaners must follow strict regulations and standards to ensure the proper disposal of these materials. Crime scene cleaning also requires a high level of discretion and confidentiality, as the cleaners may have access to sensitive information or evidence related to the crime or trauma.